On Thursday 18 January, our Year 9 pupils travelled to Bletchley Park on a trip that combined elements of the history, mathematics, and computer science curriculums.
Bletchley Park was once the top-secret home of the World War Two codebreakers. It is now a vibrant heritage attraction where visitors can enjoy immersive films, interactive displays, museum collections and recreated WW2 rooms. There was something for our pupils to enjoy regardless of where their interests lie.
Head of History, Mr Player, was one of the teachers who accompanied our Year 9 pupils, and he sends the following summary:
‘On a clear, wintery day, we were treated to a guided tour around the famous site, Bletchley Park, where thousands of brilliant mathematicians, spies and engineers during the Second World War worked to break the Nazi German secret codes. In the process of doing so, they invented the first digital, programmable computers.
We also had a chance to venture around the museum and complete a specialist workshop. The museum included some fascinating artefacts including genuine captured German Enigma machines from the war, as well as the great Alan Turing's teddy bear and rowing oar from when he raced for his school.
The workshops were about codebreaking, intelligence gathering, and how the work at Bletchley Park was so crucial to victory in the Second World War. We had a wonderful time, and everyone really enjoyed it.
Students said it was 'really fun,' 'an exciting day', and commented on how amazing so much was done there and achieved.'
